If you're a fan of Cinci chili, you must visit Blue Ash. They are well-staffed and efficient, and service doesn't slow down much during the dinner rush. As for the food, it's probably a toss-up with another parlor as to which one serves the best chili in town, which is pretty high praise considering this is a city where chili parlors outnumber McDonald's.

I had a six-way and thought there was too much stuff going on. A simple three-way is advisable, in my opinion, perhaps with the addition of some hot sauce if you like it a little spicier. The mac and cheese is a really solid entry, prepared in the old-school style. While I've had better, it's well worth ordering. The coneys are probably the best I've had, better than the chains to be sure. Again, a little hot sauce improves things.

If you've never had Cinci chili you need to do one thing before you try it: forget the word chili. It's like no other chili you've had. I liken it to the meat sauce that tops moussaka.

"Fries with gravy and cheese, in case your double-decker sandwich or 5-way chili is not enough"
Michael Stern

"In a city filled with chili parlor chains (some of which are very, very good), Blue Ash stands out as an independent (that is better than very, very good)."
Michael Stern

"The is the way a fully-dressed Coney (hot dog) is presented at Blue Ash: in a small bowl, buried underneath chili and cheese, not to mention onions and mustard. We dare anyone to eat this with their hands. A fork is required!"
Michael Stern